Hepatitis A is a liver disease that develops after infection with the hepatitis A virus. “Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver which is the result of infection or injury. In some people, HAV infection will result in a mild illness lasting only a week or two, while in others it may be much more severe and last for several months. However, unlike other hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A does not ever become a long-term “chronic” infection although it can relapse after initial improvement.